contra costa county · the declaration of candidacy signed by a candidate, states that the...

Elections Division 925.335.7800 877.335.7802 Toll free 925.335.7836 Fax www.cocovote.us

April 2020 Dear Candidate, Thank you for making this commitment to your community and the electoral process! We recognize that you may have questions as you negotiate the process of running for office. We hope this handbook will help guide you. We regularly update this book and have included changes affecting the November 3, 2020 General Election. While we make every effort to include as much pertinent information as possible, it is not intended to be an all-encompassing guide to running for office. Our team is available to assist you with questions or additional information that may not be included in this handbook, but note that we cannot provide legal advice or interpretations. For your own protection, we urge you to consult an attorney if you have those types of questions. You can reach our staff Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. For deadline dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions. Additional information is available on our website: www.cocovote.us; or the California Secretary of State’s website: www.sos.ca.gov. For campaign finance-related questions and information, the California Fair Political Practices Commission website is: www.fppc.ca.gov. Candidates for Federal offices should also check with the Federal Elections Commission, www.fec.gov. Municipal candidates should check with their local City Clerk’s office for details not covered in this guide. Thank you for stepping up and becoming involved! Regardless of the position, our democracy works best when more people participate.

Debi Cooper County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters

Contra Costa County

Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department 555 Escobar Street

P.O. Box 271

Martinez, CA 94553

Deborah R. Cooper County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters

Scott O. Konopasek Assistant County Registrar

NOTICE

No duty is imposed upon the Registrar of Voters to determine whether a candidate meets the requirements for holding office. The Declaration of Candidacy signed by a candidate, states that the candidate meets the statutory and/or constitutional qualifications for office (including, but not limited to, citizenship, residency, etc.).

i

Table of Contents

ELECTION KEY DATES .................................................................................................................................... 1

November 3, 2020 General Election ......................................................................................................... 2

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE ....................................................................................................................... 6

School and Special Districts ...................................................................................................................... 6

2020 FILING PERIODS .................................................................................................................................... 7

CANDIDATE APPLICATION PACKET ............................................................................................................... 8

Nomination Petitions ................................................................................................................................ 8

Filing Fee Information ............................................................................................................................... 9

Declaration of Candidacy .......................................................................................................................... 9

Ballot Designation Worksheet .................................................................................................................. 9

Candidate Statement of Qualifications ................................................................................................... 10

Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) ......................................................................................... 11

Campaign Finance Disclosure ................................................................................................................. 11

Code of Fair Campaign Practices............................................................................................................. 11

WRITE-IN CANDIDATES ............................................................................................................................... 12

COMMON QUESTIONS AND SITUATIONS ................................................................................................... 13

Filing Nomination Papers on Behalf of a Candidate ............................................................................... 13

Appearance of Names on the Ballot ....................................................................................................... 13

Appointments In-Lieu of an Election ...................................................................................................... 13

Candidates Elected at General Election .................................................................................................. 13

Election Night Results ............................................................................................................................. 13

Final Official Results ................................................................................................................................ 14

Taking Office ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Holding or Running For More Than One Office ...................................................................................... 14

CAMPAIGN RESOURCES .............................................................................................................................. 15

Voter Data Products ................................................................................................................................ 15

Maps ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

Ordering Instructions .............................................................................................................................. 16

COUNTY POLITICAL SIGN GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................ 17

ii

ATTACHMENT A - BALLOT DESIGNATION GUIDELINES ............................................................................. A-1

ATTACHMENT B - CANDIDATE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS INFORMATION .................................... B-1

ATTACHMENT C - CANDIDATE STATEMENT COST TABLE .......................................................................... C-1

ATTACHMENT D - SAMPLE CANDIDATE APPLICATION PACKET AUTHORIZATION FORM ......................... D-1

ATTACHMENT E - SUMMARY OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS ............................. E-1

ATTACHMENT F - DISTRICT VOTER REGISTRATION BY PARTY ................................................................... F-1

ATTACHMENT G - DISTRICT MAPS ............................................................................................................ G-1

ATTACHMENT H - HISTORICAL VOTER TURNOUT FOR CONTRA COSTA COUNTY .................................... H-1

November 3, 2020 General Election

Contra Costa County 1

ELECTION KEY DATES General

November 3, 2020

Military and Overseas Voter Ballots Mailed September 18, 2020

Voter Information Guide Mailing Approx. September 24, 2020

Vote by Mail Mailing October 5, 2020

Registration Deadline October 19, 2020

Supplemental Voter Information Guide Mailing October 22, 2020

Last Day to Request a Vote by Mail Ballot October 27, 2020

Last Day to Return or Mail a Vote by Mail Ballot November 3, 2020

Election Day November 3, 2020

Canvass November 4 – December 3, 2020

Certification Deadline / Final Results Transmitted December 3, 2020

KEY DATES

APPLIES TO DATES

Filing Period All School and Special Districts Jul. 13 – Aug. 7 E-113 – 88

Deadline to file a different “Ballot Designation” than the one used for the Primary Election

Run-off candidates for General Election Jul. 28 E-98

Extended Filing Period Offices for which no incumbent files nomination papers by Aug. 7. Only non-incumbents may file.

Aug. 8 – 12 E-87 – 83

Public Review of “Ballot Designations” and “Candidate Statements”

All candidates Aug. 8 – 17 E-87 – 78

Candidates who filed during the extended filing period

Aug. 13 – 22 E-82 – 73

Last day to withdraw “Candidate Statement”

All candidates Aug. 10 E-85

Candidates who filed during the extended filing period

Aug. 13 E-82

Last day to file a petition forcing a contest on the General Election ballot

Applies only to contests with insufficient candidates

Aug. 12 E-83

Randomized alphabet drawing for ballot placement

All candidates Aug. 13 E-82

Deadline to file a “Write-In Candidacy” Write-In candidates Oct. 20 E-14



SCHOOL DISTRICTS NUMBER OF POSITIONS

TO BE ELECTED TERM OF OFFICE ELECTED

Acalanes Union High 2 4 years At Large

Antioch Unified Area 1 Area 3 Area 4

1 1 1

4 years By Area

Brentwood Union 2

4 years At Large Byron Union 2

Canyon Elementary 2

Chabot-Las Positas Ward 7 - Shared with Alameda County

1 4 years By Ward

Contra Costa Board of Education Area 1 Area 3

1 1

4 years By Area

Contra Costa Community College Ward 2 Ward 5

1 1

4 years By Ward

John Swett Unified 3

4 years At Large

Knightsen Elementary 3

Lafayette School 2

Liberty Union High 2

Livermore Valley Joint Unified Shared with Alameda County

2

Martinez Unified Area 1 Area 2 Area 4 Area 5

1 1 1 1

4 years 4 years 4 years 2 years

By Area

Moraga School 2 4 years At Large

Mt. Diablo Unified Area 3 Area 5

1 1

4 years By Area

Oakley Union Elementary Area 1 Area 2 Area 5

1 1 1

4 years 4 years 2 years

By Area

Orinda Union 2 4 years At Large

Pittsburg Unified 2

San Ramon Valley Unified Area 2 Area 3

1 1

4 years By Area

Walnut Creek School 2 4 years At Large

West Contra Costa Unified District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5

1 1 1 1 1

TBD By District

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION November 3, 2020 General Election

Filing Period Jul. 13 – Aug. 7



SPECIAL DISTRICTS NUMBER OF POSITIONS


Alameda-Contra Costa Transit At Large – Shared with Alameda County

Ward 1 – Shared with Alameda County

50 nomination signatures required

1 1

4 years

At Large

By Ward

Ambrose Recreation & Park 2

4 years At Large Bethel Island Municipal Improvement 3

Byron Sanitary 3

Byron-Bethany Irrigation Division 2

1

4 years By Division

Castle Rock County Water 3 4 years At Large

Central Contra Costa Sanitary 3

Contra Costa Water Division 3 Division 4 Division 5

1 1 1

4 years By Division

Crockett Community Services 2 4 years At Large

Diablo Community Services 2

Diablo Water Division 1 Division 5

1 1

4 years By Division

Town of Discovery Bay Community Services 2 4 years At Large

Dublin-San Ramon Services Division 1 Division 3 – Shared with Alameda County

1 1

4 years By Division

East Bay Municipal Utility Ward 1 10 Nomination Signatures Required

1

4 years By Ward

East Bay Regional Park Ward 1 – Shared with Alameda County Ward 2 – Shared with Alameda County 50 Nomination Signatures Required

1 1

4 years By Ward

East Contra Costa Fire 2 4 years At Large

East Contra Costa Irrigation Division 2 Division 3 Division 5

1 1 1

4 years By Division

Green Valley Recreation & Park 2 4 years At Large

Ironhouse Sanitary 3



SPECIAL DISTRICTS (continued) NUMBER OF POSITIONS


Kensington Fire Protection 2

4 years At Large Kensington Police & Community Services 2

Knightsen Town Community Services 2

Los Medanos Community Healthcare 2

Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection Division 2 Division 5

1 1

4 years By Division

Mt. View Sanitary 3

4 years At Large Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park 2

Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection 2

Rodeo Sanitary 3

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 1 District 3 – Shared with Alameda County

District 7 – Shared with Alameda and San Francisco Counties

1 1 1

4 years By District

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection 3 4 years At Large

Stege Sanitary 2

West County Wastewater Division 1 Division 2 Division 4

1 1 1

2 years 4 years 4 years

By Division



Note: Candidates seeking municipal offices file with the City Clerk’s office. Contact the appropriate City Clerk for specifics.

CITIES NUMBER OF POSITIONS

TO BE ELECTED TERM OF OFFICE

NOMINATION SIGNATURES REQUIRED

Antioch

City Clerk Treasurer

Mayor 1 Councilmember, District 1 1 Councilmember, District 2 1 Councilmember, District 3 1 Councilmember, District 4

4 years 20

Brentwood Mayor

1 Councilmember, District 1 1 Councilmember, District 3

Clayton 3 Councilmembers

Concord 1 Councilmember, District 2 1 Councilmember, District 4

Danville 3 Councilmembers

El Cerrito 3 Councilmembers

Hercules 3 Councilmembers

Lafayette 3 Councilmembers

Martinez

City Clerk Treasurer


Moraga 3 Councilmembers

Oakley 3 Councilmembers

Orinda 2 Councilmembers

Pinole Treasurer

2 Councilmembers

Pittsburg 2 Councilmembers

Pleasant Hill Treasurer

3 Councilmembers

Richmond 1 Councilmember, District 1 1 Councilmember, District 5 1 Councilmember, District 6

San Pablo 3 Councilmembers

San Ramon Mayor


Walnut Creek 3 Councilmembers



QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE

School and Special Districts

General Qualifications

a) Be a U.S. Citizen.

b) Be a registered voter at the time the Declaration of Candidacy is issued.

c) Must be registered in the political subdivision for which you are running.

d) Not have been convicted of a felony involving accepting or giving, or offering to give, any bribe,

the embezzlement of public money, extortion or theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to

commit any of those crimes. Election Code 20, 201

Additional Qualifications

Byron-Bethany Irrigation District - Must own land within the Division. East Contra Costa Irrigation District - Must be a free-holder of land within District.

Refer to District Ordinances



2020 FILING PERIODS

General Election - November 3, 2020

Filing Period: July 13 - August 7, 2020

Extended Filing Period: August 8 - August 12, 2020

Extended Filing Period

If nomination papers for an incumbent elective officer are not filed by the filing deadline, the filing

period for that office is extended 5 calendar days for non-incumbents only. There shall be no extended

filing period for candidates where the incumbent cannot file due to term limits or for offices that are

vacant. Election Code 8024



CANDIDATE APPLICATION PACKET

The Candidate Application Packet often referred to as “papers”, includes the following forms:

Nomination Petitions (if applicable)

Filing Fee Information

Declaration of Candidacy

Ballot Designation Worksheet

Candidate Statement of Qualifications

Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)

Campaign Finance Disclosure

Code of Fair Campaign Practices

Nomination Petitions

Candidates for East Bay Municipal Utility District, East Bay Regional Park District, and Alameda-Contra

Costa Transit District offices are required to file nomination petitions with the required number of valid

signatures for the office. Signers of nomination petitions must be registered voters and reside in the

district. A signer can only sign as many nomination papers as positions up for election. Nomination

petitions are furnished by the County Elections Division, except for City offices.

Filing requirements for City office may vary. Contact the appropriate City Clerk’s office for more

information.

The number of signatures required for each office are listed on pages 2-5.

Circulators of Nomination Petitions

Circulators must be 18 years of age or older. Candidates may circulate and sign his/her own nomination

petitions.

The Affidavit of Circulator, located on the back of each petition, must be completed in the circulator's

own hand, including if the candidate circulates his or her own petition. Election Code 102, 104

Signers’ Qualifications

Signers must be registered voters in the district or political subdivision in which the candidate is to be

voted on. Election Code 8068

Signers’ Limitations

Signers may only sign one nomination petition for any candidate for a given office. If more than one

position is to be filled in the same office, signers may sign nomination petitions for as many candidates

as there are positions to be filled for that office. Election Code 8069



Verification of Signatures on Nomination Petitions

Petitions are validated in the order of arrival. The signatures of all signers on nomination petitions are

verified by the Elections Division, generally within 24-48 hours. Candidates will be notified immediately

after signatures have been checked.

Circulating Petitions in More than One County

If the nomination petition and/or signatures in-lieu of filing fee petitions are circulated for an office

located in more than one county, the circulator must use separate petition forms in each county. The

signatures must be submitted to the Elections Division of the county in which the petition was

circulated. Election Code 8063

Filing Fee Information

There are no filing fees for School or Special Districts.

Declaration of Candidacy

The “Declaration of Candidacy” is filed by a candidate for City, School and Special District offices.

The “Declaration of Candidacy” is an official document in which the candidate indicates how his/her

name and ballot designation is to appear on the ballot. The candidate declares that he/she meets the

statutory and/or constitutional qualifications for the office sought, and that if nominated, the candidate

will accept the nomination and not withdraw. Election Code 8001, 8800, 8801

Ballot Designation Worksheet

The ballot designation is the word or group of words that will appear on the ballot under the candidate’s

name, designating the candidate’s principal profession, vocation, or occupation.

Ballot designations may be rejected if they do not comply with the rules set by California Election Code

13107. If rejected, the candidate will be notified by phone or by registered or certified mail addressed

to the mailing address appearing on the candidate’s ballot designation worksheet. If an alternative

designation is not provided within the time allowed, no designation will appear on the ballot. Ballot

Designation Guidelines and examples are found in Attachment B. Election Code 13107, 13107.3

Public Review Period

After the close of the filing period, anyone may examine any candidate’s ballot designation. During a

10‐calendar‐day period commencing the day after the close of the filing period, any voter of the

jurisdiction in which the election is being held may seek a writ of mandate or an injunction challenging

a ballot designation. Election Code 13313

No challenges may be submitted to or will be considered by the Elections Division or Registrar.



Candidate Statement of Qualifications Each candidate for elective office must complete a “Candidate Statement of Qualifications” and may

prepare an optional candidate statement at their own expense. The candidate statement is designed to

familiarize voters with a candidate’s qualifications for the office he/she is seeking. The candidate

statement is incorporated into the “Voter Information Guide”, and will be mailed to all registered voters

eligible to vote for that particular office. The candidate statement is printed in English, Spanish, and

Chinese. For a sample of the guidelines, see Attachment C. Election Code 13307

Filing of Candidate Statement

In addition to filing a hardcopy, candidates need to submit the statement in an editable text format, to

the following email address: [email protected].

The candidate statement will be formatted to appear, as closely as possible, to the hardcopy filed.

Statements are subject to the word counts and guidelines described in Attachment C.

Restrictions

The candidate statement cannot refer to other candidates or to another candidate’s qualifications,

character or activities. Election Code 13308

Changing a Candidate Statement

The candidate statement may be withdrawn, but not changed, during the period for filing nomination

papers and until 5:00 pm of the next business day, after the close of the filing period. A candidate must

sign a statement if he/she chooses to withdraw the candidate statement. A new candidate statement

cannot be filed to replace a withdrawn candidate statement. The candidate statement will remain

confidential until after the close of the filing period for the office sought. Election Code 13311

Shared Districts

If a candidate is filing for an office where the district extends into another county and the candidate

wishes to have their candidate statement printed in that county, the candidate must contact the

appropriate county for payment and publication of the candidate statement.

Public Review Period

After the close of the filing period, anyone may examine candidate statements. During a 10-calendar

day period, commencing the day after the close of the filing period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which

the election is being held or the county elections official may seek a writ of mandate or an injunction

challenging any or all of the material in a candidate statement. Election Code 13313, 13314

No challenges may be submitted to or will be considered by the Elections Division or Registrar.

mailto:[email protected]



Candidate Statement Costs

The cost of the candidate statement must be paid at the time the statement is filed. For candidate

statement, costs see Attachment C. Election Code 13307

Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)

Every candidate is required to file a “Statement of Economic Interests” (Form 700) disclosing certain

financial interests.

The Form 700 is not required if the candidate has filed a statement for the same jurisdiction within 60

days prior to the filing of his/her “Declaration of Candidacy”. Government Code 87202, 87203

The Elections Division has been designated by the Registrar as the filing official for “Statements of

Economic Interests” in conjunction with candidacy for elective offices only. Government Code 87200

Campaign Finance Disclosure All state and local candidates, their committees, and committees supporting or opposing ballot measures are required to report campaign contributions and expenditures.

When a candidate receives nomination papers, he/she will receive an informational overview of all filing responsibilities including electronic filing of all campaign disclosures.

As of August 2016, Contra Costa County Ordinance 530-2.808 requires all campaign disclosure reports and documents mandated by the California Political Reform Act to be filed electronically.

Candidates should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the information provided by the FPPC and carefully note the filing deadlines, as the Act imposes penalties for late filing of campaign statements. Information and requirements can be found at www.fppc.ca.gov. For a brief summary of the most commonly used forms, see Attachment E.

Government Code 85201

Code of Fair Campaign Practices

By subscribing to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices, a candidate vows to follow the principles of

decency, honesty, and fair play. Subscription to the Code is optional. Completed forms are to be filed

with the Elections Division, and shall be retained for public inspection until 30 days after the election. Election Code 20400, 20420, 20440-20444



WRITE-IN CANDIDATES

A person who did not file during the regular filing period may file for office as a write-in candidate. There

is no fee or charge required of a write-in candidate, except in the case of some city offices.

Any person who desires to be a write-in candidate and have votes cast for him/her counted shall file a

“Statement of Write-In Candidacy”.

Forms are available from the Elections Division between the following dates:

September 7 - October 20, 2020 Election Code 8605

Cities, East Bay Regional Park District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and Alameda-Contra Costa

Transit District require nomination signatures to be collected for a valid write-in candidacy. Signers of

nomination papers for write-in candidates shall be voters in the district in which the candidate is to be

voted on. See pages 3 - 5 for the required number of nomination signatures.

Write-in candidates must also file the same forms required of other candidates, who have filed during

the regular filing period. The candidate statement form or ballot designation form does not apply to

write-in candidates and write-in candidates may not submit a candidate statement.

Only votes cast for official write-in candidates will be reported.



COMMON QUESTIONS AND SITUATIONS

Filing Nomination Papers on Behalf of a Candidate

If a candidate is unable to pick up their Candidate Application Packet in person, he/she may designate a

person to act on his/her behalf. A written statement or “Authorization Form”, signed and dated by the

candidate, authorizing a person to receive the “Declaration of Candidacy” form and all other nomination

papers from the Elections Divison is required. See Attachment D for a sample of the “Authorization

Form”. If the candidate will not be filing in person, the “Declaration of Candidacy” must be notarized

before filing. Because an original signature is required, nomination documents may not be filed by fax or

email. The candidate’s designee may only receive and deliver papers and may not make any changes on

the nomination documents. Election Code 8028

Appearance of Names on the Ballot

A randomized alphabet drawing is the basis for determining the order of candidates on the ballot. Each

candidate will be placed on the ballot in the order that each of the letters of his/her surname was

drawn. For example, the placement of candidates with the surnames of Miller and Ramos will depend

on the order in which the letters M and R were drawn.

Six calendar days after the end of the filing period, the Secretary of State conducts a drawing of the

letters. For the November 2020 Election, the drawing will be conducted on August 13, 2020. Election Code 13112

Appointments In-Lieu of an Election

Special Districts

If the number of candidates is equal to or less than the number of vacancies to be filled within the

particular district, the office does not appear on the ballot. The Board of Supervisors appoints the

unopposed candidates. Appointees by the Board of Supervisors take office and serve exactly as if

elected at the General Election. Election Code 10515

School Districts

If the number of candidates is equal to or less than the number of offices to be filled within a particular

district, an election will not be held and the qualified candidates shall be seated at the organizational

meeting of the school district governing board. Education Code 5326

Candidates Elected at General Election

The candidate(s) for a school district, special district or city office that receive(s) the highest number of

votes from all votes cast for candidates for that office shall be elected to that office. Election Code 10551, 10600

Election Night Results

Election results are available on our website at www.cocovote.us beginning at 8:00 pm on Election

Night. Results will be updated periodically, until all Election Day ballots are counted.

http://www.cocovote.us/



Candidates and/or members of their campaigns are welcome to observe the Election Night processes.

Observer guidelines will be issued upon arrival.

Final Official Results

Beginning the day after the election, a complete audit of all returns is performed. Any uncounted Vote

by Mail ballots are processed and counted. Additionally, provisional ballots are processed and counted

and votes cast for qualified write-in candidates are counted.

Election code requires the election to be certified by 30 days following the election. Election Code 15372

Taking Office

OFFICE AUTHORITY DATE

School Districts Education Code 5000, 5017 December 4, 2020

Special Districts Election Code 10507, 10554

East Bay Municipal Utility District Municipal Utility District Act 11863 January 1, 2021

City Offices Contact the appropriate City for information. Varies

Holding or Running For More Than One Office

Candidates are not prohibited from seeking more than one elective office, and may serve in more than

one office. There are, however, situations when holding more than one office is considered a conflict

and incompatible.

There is no single statute that defines “incompatibility of offices”. The common law doctrine of

incompatibility of offices prevents an elected official from holding two offices simultaneously if the

offices have overlapping and conflicting public duties.

The courts have defined this concept as follows: “One individual may not simultaneously hold two public

offices where the functions of the offices concerned are inherently inconsistent, as where there are

conflicting interests, or where the nature of the duties of the two offices is such as to render it improper

due to considerations of public policy for one person to retain both.” Government Code 1099

For further information about conflict of interest or incompatibility of offices, contact the Fair Political

Practices Commission’s website at www.fppc.ca.gov or phone toll free (866) 275-3772.

The Political Reform Act, Government Code 1099



CAMPAIGN RESOURCES

Voter Data Products

Candidates have access to voter information and data from voter registration and election files.

Listed below are brief descriptions of some electronic files that are available.

Voter File

A data file of registered voters residing within a particular district or jurisdiction with voter information

and history.

Voter data may not be sold, leased, loaned, reproduced or possession of relinquished without receiving

written authorization to do so from the Elections Division.

Prohibited usage includes commercial purposes and solicitation of contributions or services for any

purpose other than on behalf of a candidate or political party, or in support of or opposition to a ballot

measure.

Vote by Mail File

A list of all Vote by Mail voter requests processed the previous day, beginning 29 days before an

election. The file includes the date the request was received, date ballot mailed, and the date the ballot

was returned. This file does not provide complete voter information; to process the data you will also

need the voter file.

This file is available on a daily subscription basis or as a single request.

Maps

Printed maps can be prepared for your political campaign needs. Candidates may request 11x17 walking

maps to large wall maps. A walking map is a precinct level map with street level detail. Wall maps can be

created for larger areas or districts.

Fees Fees for voter data products and maps are based on the data requested and/or the number of registered voters. Listed below are the fees for the voter data files and maps:

Countywide Voter File $250.00

District Voter File (over 100,000 voters) $175.00

District Voter File (100,000 voters or less) $50.00

VotebyMail Voter File Subscription $100.00

VotebyMail Voter File Daily Request $25.00 per file

Wall Maps (3x3) $25.00

Walking Maps (11x17) $1.50



All orders for voter data and maps must be paid for in advance. Fees may be paid by cash or check.

Checks should be made payable to “Contra Costa County Registrar”.

Maps are also available on our website at www.cocovote.us.

Ordering Instructions

When purchasing voter data you will be required to complete “Application to Purchase or View Voter

Data”.

To request a voter file, VotebyMail file subscription, maps, or any other products please send your

request to [email protected] or submit your request in person by visiting the Elections

Division. The “Application to Purchase or View Voter Data” can be provided by email upon request.

Orders are processed in the order they are received. There is a 48-hour turnaround from the time of

application and payment.

http://www.cocovote.us/




COUNTY POLITICAL SIGN GUIDELINES

The Elections Division does not enforce the usage of political signs. The placement of political signs is

subject to local regulation.

Contra Costa County Sign Regulations

With the exception of signs located on legal commercial outdoor advertising structures, all political signs

placed in areas under the jurisdiction of the Contra Costa County Community Development Department

are regulated by Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Title 8, Division 88, Chapter 88-6, as follows:

Political Campaign Advertising

Political signs may be erected or displayed before an election until ten days after the election inclusive.

These signs may not be erected in the right-of-way of any state highway, county highway, or public road

or street. Article 88-6 Section 88-6.810

Signs on Utility Poles

No person shall post, place, attach, erect, or maintain any sign, poster, advertisement, or any material or

object of any kind on a pole, post, wire, or structure maintained under a franchise by a public utility or

public service corporation in the right-of-way of any county or public highway. Article 88-6.8 Section 88.6.812

Signs at Intersections

No outdoor advertising structure, except Type IV signs, shall be erected or maintained in such a location

or position that operators of motor vehicles who are within one hundred feet of the intersection of any

public road with any other public road or any railroad will not have a clear and unobstructed view of the

intersection and of any traffic on all of the roads or railroads entering the intersection for a distance of

one hundred feet along all the roads or railroads. If the sight distance at the intersection is already

obstructed by building, structure, vegetation or topography, then the outdoor advertising structures

may be located within one hundred feet of the intersection, so long as they do not constitute additional

obstruction of sight distances. Article 88-6.8 Section 88.6.618

If a candidate chooses to post campaign signs, a completed “Statement of Responsibility for Temporary

Political Signs” form must be filed with the Department of Transportation.

A-1

ATTACHMENT A - BALLOT DESIGNATION GUIDELINES

The ballot designation is the word or words, which appear on the ballot under the candidate’s name,

designating the current principal profession, vocation, or occupation of the candidate. The listing of a

designation on the ballot is optional. Election Code 13107

Ballot designations cannot be changed and they become public once the “Declaration of Candidacy” has

been filed. Election Code 20711

Format of Ballot Designation

A ballot designation may be an elective office title, officeholder status, or profession.

The following examples illustrate each type. Combining these types is not permitted.

Elective Office Title

Words designating the elective public office currently held, provided the officeholder was elected to the

office. In the case of judicial offices only, an appointed Judge may use the office title.

Example A: Governing Board Member

Example B: Board member, XYZ School District

Officeholder Status

Incumbent: The word “Incumbent” may be used if the candidate is seeking re-election to the same office

and was elected to that office by a vote of the people or was appointed as a nominated candidate in lieu of

an election.

Appointed Incumbent: The phrase “Appointed Incumbent” may be used if:

a) the candidate holds an office other than a judicial office by virtue of appointment and is a

candidate for the same office; or,

b) a candidate for the same or other office, the word “Appointed” and the title of the office.

The phrase “Appointed Incumbent” is not required of a candidate who seeks reelection to an

office that they hold and to which they were appointed in-lieu of an election.

Example A: Appointed Incumbent

Example B: Appointed Board member, XYZ School District

A-2

Profession

Principal Occupation: 3-Word Profession/Occupation/Vocation - No more than three words designating

the current principal professions, vocations, or occupations of the candidate.

Example A: High School Teacher

Example B: Attorney/Educator/Rancher

Example C: Businessman/Councilmember

Community Volunteer

A Community Volunteer shall constitute a valid principal vocation or occupation subject to the following

conditions:

a) A candidate’s community volunteer activities constitute his or her principal profession,

vocation or occupation.

b) A candidate may not use the designation of “Community Volunteer” in combination with

any other principal profession, vocation or occupation.

c) A candidate is not engaged concurrently in another principal profession, vocation or

occupation.

No Occupation Desired

If no ballot designation is requested, the word “NONE” and the candidate’s initials must be written in

the space provided for ballot designation on the Declaration of Candidacy form. The space provided for

the ballot designation on the official ballot will be blank.

Unacceptable Designations

Designations will not be accepted if:

It would mislead the voter.

It would suggest an evaluation of a candidate, such as outstanding, leading, expert,

virtuous, or eminent.

It abbreviates the word “retired” or places it following any word(s) that it modifies.

Acceptable: Retired Policeman

Unacceptable: Ret. Policeman Policeman, Retired

It uses a word or prefix, such as “former” or “ex-,” which means a prior status.

Unacceptable: Former Policeman

Ex-Policeman

The only exception is the use of the word “retired.”

It includes the name of any political party, whether or not it has qualified for the ballot.

It uses any word(s) referring to a racial, religious or ethnic group.

It refers to any activity that is prohibited by law.

B-1

ATTACHMENT B - CANDIDATE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS INFORMATION

CANDIDATE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FORM

B-2

WORD COUNT CRITERIA The following are the guidelines for computing the word count for candidate statements.

Acronyms

Examples: UCLA, PTA, U.S.M.C A description of each acronym must be provided.

one word

Geographical names

Examples: Contra Costa County Walnut Creek City of Pittsburg Bay Area

one word

Districts with an Elected Board

Examples: Contra Costa Community College District Antioch Unified School District East Bay Regional Park District San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

one word

Numbers/Numerical Combinations

Digits (1, 10, or 100, etc.) 1990-1991, 100%, etc. Spelled out (one, ten, or one hundred)

one word one word one for each word

Dates

All digits (11/5/96) Word and digits (June 2, 1998)

one word one word

Hyphenated words

Regularly hyphenated words that appear in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online.

one word

Punctuation not counted

Telephone numbers one word

Email / Website addresses one word

B-3

SAMPLE CANDIDATE STATEMENT LAYOUT Below are samples of 250-word candidate statements, as they would appear in the “Voter Information Guide.” Statements will appear in the same order as the candidates appear on the ballot.

Each candidate statement is formatted into a box measuring approximately 3.5” x 4.25” using 9 or 10 size font.

3.5 inches

4.2

5 in

che

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C-1

ATTACHMENT C - CANDIDATE STATEMENT COST TABLE November 3, 2020

Minimum cost for a candidate statement is $200.00. A district may elect to go over 250 words in which case the candidate statement costs will double.

SCHOOL DISTRICT STATEMENT

COSTS WORD LIMIT PAID BY

Acalanes Union High $1,515.00

250 Candidate

Antioch Unified Area 1 Area 3 Area 4

$326.40 $346.80 $359.40

Brentwood Union $785.40

Byron Union $301.20

Canyon Elementary $200.00

Chabot-Las Positas Community College – Ward 7 $200.00

Contra Costa Board of Education Area 1 Area 3

$2,009.60 $2,229.20

Contra Costa Community College Ward 2 Ward 5

$2,667.00 $2,118.00

John Swett Unified $292.00

Knightsen Elementary $200.00

Lafayette School $491.40

Liberty Union High $1,321.00

Livermore Valley Joint Unified Shared with Alameda

$200.00

Martinez Unified District 1 District 2 District 4 District 5

$219.00 $202.20 $217.40 $224.80

Moraga School $337.60

Mt. Diablo Unified Area 3 Area 5

$488.80 $694.20

Oakley Union Elementary Area 1 Area 2 Area 5

$215.80 $224.80 $209.20

Orinda Union $386.00

Pittsburg Unified $628.40

San Ramon Valley Unified Area 2 Area 3

$494.80 $432.20

Walnut Creek School $747.60

West Contra Costa Unified District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5

$644.20 $520.00 $430.20 $612.40 $726.00

C-2


SPECIAL DISTRICT STATEMENT


Alameda-Contra Costa Transit At Large – Shared with Alameda County

Ward 1 – Shared with Alameda County

$1,812.20 $1,812.20

250 Candidate pays

one time in County of residence.

Ambrose Recreation & Park $333.60

250 Candidate

Bethel Island Municipal Improvement $200.00

Byron Bethany Irrigation Division 2

$200.00

Byron Sanitary $200.00

Castle Rock County Water $200.00

Central Contra Costa Sanitary $4,046.40

Contra Costa Water Division 3 Division 4 Division 5

$1,220.40 $1,036.40 $1,104.00

Crockett Community Services $200.00

Diablo Community Services $200.00

Diablo Water Division 1 Division 5

$229.80 $211.20

Town of Discovery Bay Community Services $304.20

Dublin-San Ramon Services Division 1 Division 3 – Shared with Alameda County

$303.00 $200.00

East Bay Municipal Utility Ward 1

$1,794.00

250 Candidate pays one

time in County of residence.

East Bay Regional Park Ward 1 – Shared with Alameda County Ward 2 – Shared with Alameda County

$2,043.00 $1,137.00

East Contra Costa Fire Protection $1,367.00

250 Candidate

East Contra Costa Irrigation Division 2 Division 3 Division 5

$322.60 $355.00 $374.40

Green Valley Recreation & Park $200.00

Ironhouse Sanitary $549.80

Kensington Fire Protection $219.40

Kensington Police & Community Services $219.40

Knightsen Town Community Services $200.00

Los Medanos Community Healthcare $927.80

Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection Division 2 Division 5

$226.80 $238.80

Mt. View Sanitary $384.60

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park $586.80

C-3


SPECIAL DISTRICT (continued) STATEMENT


Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection $489.60 250 Candidate

Rodeo Sanitary $228.80

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 1 District 3 – Shared with Alameda County

District 7 – Shared with Alameda and San Francisco Counties

$4,487.80 $1,066.40 $2,174.20

250 Candidate pays one

time in County of residence.

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection $1,759.80

250 Candidate

Stege Sanitary $537.20

West County Wastewater District 1 District 2

District 4

$313.80 $265.20 $300.00

C-4


CITY STATEMENT


Antioch City Clerk, Treasurer, Mayor District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

$1,092.40 $339.00 $377.60 $426.60 $399.60

250 Candidate

Brentwood Mayor District 1 District 3

$755.40 $278.20 $323.40

Clayton $287.40

Concord District 2 District 4

$410.40 $397.80

Danville $660.00

El Cerrito $426.40

Hercules $405.80

Lafayette $453.60

Martinez City Clerk, Treasurer District 2 District 3

$560.40 $253.00 $244.80

Moraga $335.00

Oakley $524.00

Orinda $385.80

Pinole $342.00

Pittsburg $735.60

Pleasant Hill $517.80

Richmond District 1 District 5 District 6

$261.00 $337.60 $306.00

San Pablo $342.80

San Ramon Mayor District 1 District 3

$875.80 $339.60 $320.00

Walnut Creek $934.40

D-1

ATTACHMENT D - SAMPLE CANDIDATE APPLICATION PACKET AUTHORIZATION FORM

E-1

ATTACHMENT E - SUMMARY OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

Contra Costa County Ordinance 530-2.808 requires all campaign disclosure reports and documents mandated by the California Political Reform Act to be filed electronically. Contra Costa County has contracted with NetFile to be the filing platform for all local candidates, their committees and committees supporting or opposing ballot measures to electronically submit Campaign Finance Statements. NetFile offers tutorials and help for each page of their website. You may find it helpful to watch the “How to Create a New Campaign NetFIle User” video in the “How To Videos” section of the page at www.netfile.com/filer.

E-3

SUMMARY OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

FORM 501 - Candidate Intention Statement

This statement must be filed before a candidate solicits or receives any contributions or loans from others

or before any expenditure are made from personal funds on behalf of his/her candidacy, excluding personal

funds used to pay filing fees and/or fees for Statements of Qualifications.

Exception: Form 501 is not required to be filed by candidates who do not intend to receive any

contributions or loans, and the only expenditures from personal funds would be for payment of the

filing fee, if applicable, and the Statement of Qualifications. Form 501 is not used to obtain a Committee

Identification Number.

Please note that Forms 410 and 460 must be filed electronically with NetFile at www.netfile.com/filer.

FORM 410 - Statement of Organization

The Form 410 must be filed if a candidate or committee receives contributions or loans totaling $2,000

in a calendar year. This statement must be filed within 10 days of opening a campaign bank account at a

financial institution in California. All personal funds and/or contributions or loans made to the

candidate, to a person on behalf of the candidate, or to the candidate's controlled committee shall be

deposited in the campaign bank account prior to expenditure. A printed copy of the Form 410 must be

filed with the Secretary of State's Office to obtain a Committee Identification Number.

FORM 460 - Recipient Committee Campaign Statement

Candidates for office who receive contributions or have expenditures in excess of $2,000 must file pre-

election and semi-annual campaign statements during the year in which their election is being held.

Please refer to the Filing Schedule for filing deadlines.

FORM 470 - Officeholder/Candidate Campaign Statement-Short Form

Candidates for office who expect to receive or spend less than $2,000 during the election and who do

not have a controlled committee may file a Form 470 with their Declaration of Candidacy (or no later

than the filing deadline for the first pre-election campaign statement).

FORM 470 - Supplemental

Supplemental Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Statement. This form applies to candidates and

officeholders who have filed a Form 470 and subsequently receive contributions or make contributions

totaling $2,000 or more for a calendar year. Once a Supplemental Form 470 is filed, the candidate or

officeholder will be required to file a Form 410 and 460.

http://www.netfile.com/filer

F-1

ATTACHMENT F - DISTRICT VOTER REGISTRATION BY PARTY

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H-1

ATTACHMENT H - HISTORICAL VOTER TURNOUT FOR CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Election Date Voter

Registration Total

Turn Out %

Turn Out VBM Vote

% Voting VBM

No. of Precincts

Mar. 3, 2020 657,273 330,514 50.29% 246,041 74.44% 855

Nov. 6, 2018 619,963 423,348 68.29% 290,417 68.60% 744

June 5, 2018 602,171 239,628 39.79% 168,831 70.46% 702

Nov. 8, 2016 607,515 487,355 79.23% 309,319 65.26% 656

June 7, 2016 558,523 278,127 49.80% 175,555 63.12% 656

Nov. 4, 2014 527,521 259,007 49.10% 165,617 63.94% 652

June 3, 2014 528,162 151,788 28.74% 111,836 73.68% 650

Nov. 6, 2012 556,327 442,143 79.48% 245,953 55.63% 834

June 5, 2012 520,098 192,761 37.06% 133,566 69.26% 646

Nov. 2, 2010 533,825 352,657 66.10% 200,064 56.73% 807

Jun. 8, 2010 525,992 210,417 40.00% 138,739 65.94% 628

Nov. 4, 2008 527,145 456,876 86.67% 234,043 51.23% 854

June 3, 2008 490,954 169,475 34.52% 117,766 69.49% 772

Feb. 5, 2008 475,821 318,224 66.88% 168,668 53.00% 816

Nov. 7, 2006 486,441 308,206 63.36% 161,520 52.41% 1,032

Jun. 6, 2006 489,263 185,241 37.86% 111,115 59.98% 885

Nov. 8, 2005 492,656 281,120 57.05% 125,770 44.75% 556

Nov. 2, 2004 504,505 418,335 82.92% 156,920 37.51% 921

Mar. 2, 2004 453,034 250,235 55.24% 96,358 38.51% 787

Oct. 7, 2003 444,355 320,994 72.23% 111,387 34.70% 489

Nov. 5, 2002 484,640 274,087 56.6% 93,428 34.09% 1,072

Mar. 5, 2002 478,754 187,496 39.2% 57,765 30.81% 910

Nov. 7, 2000 493,826 384,300 77.80% 116,192 30.34% 1,078

Mar. 7, 2000 458,136 276,352 60.30% 78,947 28.57% 907

Nov. 3, 1998 485,910 306,712 63.10% 94,026 30.70% 934

Jun. 2, 1998 492,730 222,717 45.20% 68,660 30.80% 877

Nov. 5, 1996 555,734 356,383 64.10% 80,819 22.70% 975

Mar. 26, 1996 510,990 216,359 42.30% 52,798 24.40% 839

Nov. 8, 1994 492,562 305,529 62.00% 67,316 22.00% 953

Jun. 7, 1994 475,884 169,670 35.70% 36,071 21.30% 821

Nov. 3, 1992 507,451 389,391 76.70% 76,624 19.70% 946

Jun. 2, 1992 452,315 216,287 47.80% 44,902 20.80% 800

Nov. 6, 1990 453,435 277,999 61.30% 58,115 20.90% 906

Jun. 5, 1990 431,802 200,263 46.40% 35,742 17.80% 791

Nov. 8, 1988 452,491 341,149 75.40% 54,424 16.00%

Jun. 7, 1988 406,769 207,140 50.90% 22,090 10.70%

Nov. 4, 1986 409,507 256,007 62.50% 24,531 9.60%

Jun. 3, 1986 391,137 161,104 41.20% 15,115 9.40%

Nov. 6, 1984 427,593 326,301 76.30% 33,371 10.20%

Jun. 5, 1984 380,311 185,524 48.80% 13,490 7.30%

Nov. 2, 1982 365,642 257,887 70.50% 15,146 5.90%

Jun. 8, 1982 375,460 207,846 55.40% 10,238 4.90%

Nov. 4, 1980 358,560 291,155 81.20% 16,815 5.80%

Jun. 3, 1980 344,670 231,313 67.10% 10,776 4.66%

CONTACT INFORMATION

Main Number (925) 335-7800

Toll Free (877) 335-7802

Rosa Mena, Election Processing Supervisor

(925) 335-7806

[email protected]

Sara Brady, Elections Services Manager

(925) 335-7807

[email protected]

Scott Konopasek, Assistant Registrar of Voters

(925) 335-7800

[email protected]

Candidate Services - Fax (925) 335-7842

Email [email protected]

Website www.cocovote.us



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